阅读说明：本技术 用于少量体液的具有延长元件的取出结构组件或试验小管 (Extraction assembly or test tube with an extension element for small amounts of body fluid ) 是由 F·埃贝茨贝格尔 A·伯克 于 2018-04-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于少量体液的取出结构组件(1),所述取出结构组件包括试样容器(2)和延长元件(3)。所述试样容器(2)具有底部(13)和容器壁(5),所述容器壁具有第一容器壁区段(6)和连接到其上的第二容器壁区段(7)。所述第二容器壁区段(7)空心锥形地构造并且伸入到到延长元件(3)之中。此外,设置有耦联装置(25),所述耦联装置具有第一耦联元件(26)和第二耦联元件(27)。在耦联元件(26、27)处于耦联嵌接中时,所述延长元件(3)与所述试样容器(2)形锁合地以卡扣连接的形式耦联成所述取出结构组件(1)。(The invention relates to a retrieval assembly (1) for small amounts of body fluids, comprising a sample container (2) and an extension element (3). The sample container (2) has a base (13) and a container wall (5) having a first container wall section (6) and a second container wall section (7) connected thereto. The second container wall section (7) is hollow-conically configured and protrudes into the extension element (3). Furthermore, a coupling device (25) is provided, which has a first coupling element (26) and a second coupling element (27). When the coupling elements (26, 27) are in coupling engagement, the extension element (3) is coupled to the sample container (2) in a form-fitting manner in the form of a snap connection to form the extraction assembly (1).)

1. Taking-out component (1) for receiving small quantities of body fluids, in particular blood samples, urine, saliva, comprising

-a sample vessel (2) having a vessel wall (5), the vessel wall (5) extending from an open first end (8) to a second end (9), being bounded by an outer face (10) and an inner face (11) and defining a longitudinal axis (12), and having a bottom (13), the bottom (13) closing the second end (9) of the vessel wall (5) and enclosing a collection space (14) together with the vessel wall (5), and wherein,

-the container wall (5) has, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12), a first container wall section (6) and a second container wall section (7) connected thereto, wherein,

the first container wall section (6) is of hollow cylindrical design and has an outer first diameter dimension (15) and is arranged starting from the open end (8), and wherein,

-the first diameter dimension (15) of the second vessel wall section (7) with respect to the exterior of the first vessel wall section (6) has at least in part a second diameter dimension (16) which is smaller relative thereto,

-an elongated element (3) having a side wall (18), said side wall (18) extending from an open first end (19) to a second end (20), and having a bottom wall (21) arranged in such a way as to be connected to said second end (20), and wherein,

the sample container (2) protrudes at least partially into the open first end (19) of the extension element (3) with its second container wall section (7) arranged at a distance from the open first end (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the second container wall section (7) of the container wall (5) is of hollow conical design,

-a coupling device (25) is provided, which has at least one first coupling element (26) and at least one second coupling element (27),

-the at least one first coupling element (26) is arranged or formed on the sample container (2) and the at least one second coupling element (27) is arranged or formed on the extension element (3), and

-the extension element (3) is positively coupled to the sample container (2) by means of a snap connection formed by the coupling elements (26, 27) to form the extraction assembly (1) when the first and second coupling elements (26) are in coupling engagement.

2. The removal arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, viewed in an axial sectional view, the outer face (10) and the inner face (11) of the first container wall section (6) merge directly into the outer face (10) and the inner face (11) of the second container wall section (7) in order to form a bend.

3. Extraction structural assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first coupling element (26) is arranged in a transition section (28) between the first vessel wall section (6) and the second vessel wall section (7) of the vessel wall (5).

4. The extraction assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first coupling element (26) is arranged in the second container wall section (7) in a majority portion.

5. The extraction assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first coupling element (26) is formed by at least one first recess provided in the outer face (10) of the container wall (5) and a wall section (29) of the container wall (5) of the sample container (2) adjoining the first recess in the direction of the bottom (13) of the sample container (2).

6. The extraction assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one first coupling element (26) is designed as a first groove (30) passing through on the periphery and as a wall section (29) of the side wall (18) of the sample container (2) adjoining the first groove in the direction of the bottom (13) of the sample container (2).

7. The retrieval arrangement (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a first side face (32) of the first recess or first groove (30) facing the open end (8) of the sample container (2) constitutes a stop face for an end face (31) of the extension element (3) in the region of the open first end (19) of the extension element.

8. Extraction assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of support elements (17) are provided which are arranged distributed over the circumference, the support elements (17) being arranged on the outer face (10) of the second container wall section (7) of the container wall (5) and the outer face (10) projecting on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis (12).

9. Extraction assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the support element (17) is configured as a web having a particularly parallel longitudinal extension with respect to the longitudinal axis (12).

10. Extraction assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the envelope of the supporting element (17), in particular of the outer portion of the webs, has a diameter (36), which diameter (36) is equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter (37) of the side wall (18) of the extension element (3) in the region of its open end (19).

11. The extraction assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (18) of the extension element (3) are hollow-cylindrical, in particular continuously and linearly configured between the open first end (19) and the second end (21).

12. The extension assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second coupling element (27) is formed by a wall section (33) of the side wall (18) of the extension element (3) and by at least one second recess which is arranged deepened in the inner face (23) of the side wall (18).

13. The extension arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one second coupling element (27) is formed by a wall section (33) of a side wall (18) of the extension element (3) and by a second groove (34) passing through on the periphery in the inner face (23) as the side wall (18).

14. The extraction assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, when the first and second coupling elements (26, 27) are in coupling engagement, the wall section (33) of the side wall (18) of the extension element (3) engages into the first recess or the first groove (30), and a second side (35) of the first recess or the first groove (30) which is situated closer to the bottom (13) of the sample container (2) and a wall section (29) of the container wall (5) of the sample container (2) which connects to the first recess or the first groove in the direction of the bottom (13) of the sample container (2) engage into the second recess or the second groove (34).

15. Extraction structural assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bottom wall (21) of the extension element (3) is of truncated-spherical, in particular hollow-sphere truncated-spherical, configuration.

16. Extraction assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one breakthrough portion (24), preferably a plurality of breakthrough portions, is formed in the bottom wall (21) of the extension element (3), the breakthrough portion (24) or the plurality of breakthrough portions penetrating the bottom wall (21).

17. Extraction assembly (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one penetration (24) is arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis (12) in the radial direction and the bottom wall (21) is formed continuously in the region of the longitudinal axis (12).

18. The retrieval assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a closure device (4) is provided, by means of which closure device (4) the open first end (8) of the sample container (2) is closed.

19. Extraction structural assembly (1) according to claim 18, characterised in that the collecting space (14) enclosed by the closing means (4) is lowered to a pressure which is reduced with respect to the ambient pressure.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dispensing arrangement for receiving small quantities of body fluid, in particular blood samples.

Background

Such small tubular sample containers usually have a so-called "False Bottom" in the usual standard dimensions of length and diameter and are also referred to in english as "False Bottom Tube".

In other retrieval assemblies, a smaller sample-receiving container is inserted into a separate stent test vial so that it can be constructed with the usual standard dimensions of length and diameter in general.

There are also embodiments in which, on a sample container having a smaller axial extent, an additional further sample container for extension is arranged thereon.

Such a take-out assembly is known from US5,942,191A and EP0891742B1 based thereon. The extraction structure assembly includes a longitudinally extending first tube defining an axis. The first tube has an open end with an inner diameter "X" and has a closed end region with an outer diameter "Y". The outer diameter "Y" of the closed end region is less than the inner diameter "X" of the open end. In the first tube, a receiving space is provided for receiving a fluid sample, which is accessible from the open end. A second tube is provided which extends longitudinally expansively and is substantially identical to the first tube. The closed end region of the first tube is configured in such a way that it is fittingly arranged in the open end of the second tube, so that the first tube and the second tube are substantially axially oriented and form a single object. Two tubes of the same type of construction are held against one another by means of a friction-based holding connection. By means of a homogeneous construction of the two tubes, although it is possible to dispense with an additional mold, a secure and sufficient mutual holding of the two tubes with respect to one another is not achieved.

Another solution for reducing the accommodation space and the extension to standard dimensions is described in WO2016/176703a 1. In the end region of the bottom side of the sample container for sample storage and of the closed configuration, two container extensions are integrally formed, each of which is connected to the sample container in a pivotable manner by means of a hinge arrangement. The entire extraction assembly can therefore also be produced with a closed bottom in a single production process. In order to form a standard size with respect to the container length, only two container extensions have to be folded in the direction of the longitudinal axis and held fixedly to one another. Thus, although the removal assembly can be formed in only one production process, the disadvantages here are: injection molding tools are complicated and expensive to manufacture and to manufacture run. Furthermore, the connection and the formation of the connection piece in the bottom region of the sample container are associated with material accumulation, which likewise means an unnecessarily large consumption of material and leads to different cooling rates.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide the following steps: the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and an extraction assembly is provided, in which an optimum component geometry for the production process can be achieved for each structural component and, in addition, a dimensionally stable and warpage-free configuration can be achieved in a secure mutual holding of one another.

This object is achieved by a take-out construction assembly according to the claims.

The extraction assembly according to the invention is provided for receiving small quantities of body fluids, in particular blood samples, urine, saliva, and may comprise at least the following components:

a sample container having a container wall extending from an open first end to a second end, bounded by an outer face and an inner face and defining a longitudinal axis, and having a bottom closing the second end of the container wall and enclosing a collection space jointly with the container wall, and wherein,

the container wall has, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a first container wall section and a second container wall section connected to the first container wall section, wherein,

the first vessel wall section is of hollow-cylindrical design and has an outer first diameter dimension and is arranged starting from an open end, and wherein,

the first diameter dimension of the second container wall section with respect to the exterior of the first container wall section has at least in part a second diameter dimension which is smaller relative thereto,

an elongated element having a side wall extending from an open first end to a second end and having a bottom wall arranged in a manner connecting to the second end, and wherein,

the sample container projects at least partially into the open first end of the elongate element with its second container wall section, which is arranged at a distance from the open first end in the direction of the longitudinal axis,

the second container wall section of the container wall is of hollow conical design,

a coupling device is provided, which has at least one first coupling element and at least one second coupling element,

the at least one first coupling element is arranged or formed on the sample container and the at least one second coupling element is arranged or formed on the extension element, and wherein,

when the first and second coupling elements are in coupling engagement, the extension element is positively coupled to the sample container by means of a snap connection formed by the coupling elements to form the extraction assembly.

The advantages thus obtained are: by providing a separate coupling device, a mutual form-locking holding and fixing of the extension element on the sample container can be achieved. The configuration and arrangement of the individual coupling elements can therefore be designed in a form-fitting manner by the additional hollow-conical configuration of the second container wall section. Furthermore, a central spray point in the region of the base of the sample container can also be achieved by selecting a second container wall section of hollow conical design. By selecting a coupling element with a positive fit, however, material accumulation on the sample container and on the extension element can also be prevented, as a result of which a more regular cooling time can be achieved. Furthermore, deformations, the occurrence of internal stresses, gas locks (luftensischluss) or voids can, however, also be avoided. Thus, both the sample container and the extension element can be produced in separate mold cavities and each can be designed with an optimum component geometry. The respective mold cavities can be arranged in separate injection molding tools or, however, can also be arranged in a common injection molding tool. The use of a rotating cube tool is also possible. In addition, the assembly of the extraction structure components can also be carried out in the same manner, in particular automatically, after the simultaneous production of the sample containers and the extension elements. By means of the coupling device, the sample container and the extension element can then be coupled to one another as a single integral structural unit, which reliably prevents an accidental detachment from one another by maintaining a mutual form fit.

It may furthermore be advantageous: viewed in an axial sectional view, the outer and inner faces of the first container wall section merge directly into the outer and inner faces of the second container wall section, respectively, in order to form a bend. Thus, a sufficiently high liquid level can be achieved even in the bottom region of the sample container at small filling quantities. The filling volume can therefore be controlled in a simpler manner and, in addition, the removal of the sample is simplified even at small sample quantities. The remaining volume (dead volume) of the sample in the bottom region of the sample container can thus be kept very small, however.

Another embodiment is characterized in that: the at least one first coupling element is arranged in a transition section of the container wall between the first container wall section and the second container wall section. The possibility is thus achieved that the sample container and the extension element can be designed with approximately the same outer dimensions as one another, so that, in the coupled state of the sample container and the extension element, consistently identical, in particular linearly designed outer faces can be designed.

Another possible embodiment has the feature that the at least one first coupling element is arranged in the second container wall section in a majority proportion. In the outer transition region, a planar transition between the extension element and the sample container can thus be realized. Furthermore, however, a simple technical design of the sample container and the extension element can also be achieved.

Another embodiment provides that: the at least one first coupling element is formed by at least one first recess provided in the outer face of the container wall and a wall section of the container wall of the sample container adjoining the first recess in the direction of the bottom of the sample container. The configuration of the at least one recess in the container wall thus makes it possible to achieve not only a reliable coupling connection but also a mutual rotation protection between the sample container and the extension element. However, the mutual orientation and orientation of the sample container and the extension element relative to one another is to be carried out beforehand during the joining process.

Another embodiment is characterized in that: the at least one first coupling element is designed as a first groove passing through on the periphery and as a wall section of the side wall of the sample container connecting to the first groove in the direction of the bottom of the sample container. Thus, an additional material accumulation for forming the coupling element can be dispensed with. Furthermore, however, the joining effort can also be reduced, since the previous mutual orientation is only required and possible for the axial orientation with respect to one another.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that: a first side of the first recess or of the first groove facing the open end of the sample container forms a stop surface for an end face of the extension element in the region of the open first end of the extension element. A reliable mutual support in the axial direction can thus be achieved between the sample container and the extension element. This is important in particular when supporting the elongated element during the course of performing the centrifugation process.

It may furthermore be advantageous: a plurality of support elements are provided which are arranged distributed over the circumference and are arranged on the outer face of the second container wall section of the container wall and project on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis. A better positional fixation in the engaged position between the sample container and the extension element can thus be achieved by providing a support element. As a result, bending and thus unintentional detachment of the extension element from the sample container can be prevented during coupling of the coupling element.

Another alternative embodiment is characterized in that: the support element is designed as a web having a parallel longitudinal extent in relation to the longitudinal axis. Hereby, a better guidance and axial stabilization of the sample container and the elongated element with respect to each other may be obtained.

Another possible and optionally alternative embodiment is characterized in that the envelope of the outer surface of the support element, in particular of the webs, has a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the side walls of the extension element in the region of the open ends thereof. Thus, a sufficient supporting action and an additional mutual axial stabilization can be achieved in the engaged position. Thus, the bending rigidity of the small tubular members joined into the extraction structural assembly can also be improved.

Another embodiment provides that: the side wall of the extension element is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular continuously and linearly between the open first end and the second end. By the configuration of the side walls in a continuous straight line, the extension element to be produced can therefore be realized simply and inexpensively. Furthermore, the placement of the at least one label on the outside of the sample container and the extension element can thus also be simplified and improved. In particular, a straight-line transition is formed between the sample container and the outer surface of the extension element, as seen in the axial sectional view.

Another embodiment is characterized in that: the at least one second coupling element is formed by a wall section of a side wall of the extension element and by at least one second recess arranged deepened in an inner face of the side wall. In this case, an additional material accumulation for forming the second coupling element can also be dispensed with here by means of a separate recess provided in the side wall of the extension element.

Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that: the at least one second coupling element is formed by a wall section of the side wall of the extension element and by a second groove passing through on the periphery in the inner face as the side wall. The joining process can therefore be carried out simply in a preceding mutual axial orientation.

It may furthermore be advantageous: when the first and second coupling elements are in coupling engagement, the wall section of the side wall of the extension element engages in the first recess or the first groove and the second side of the first recess or the first groove which is closer to the bottom of the sample container, and the wall section of the container wall of the sample container which is connected to the first recess or the first groove in the direction of the bottom of the sample container engages in the second recess or the second groove. The coupling device with the co-acting coupling elements can therefore be constructed with minimal material expenditure only by providing and constructing the recesses or grooves and only from the wall sections of the side walls and the wall sections of the container wall. Additional connecting means, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection or other material-locking connection, can therefore be dispensed with in the coupling region.

Another embodiment is characterized in that: the bottom wall of the extension element is of truncated-spherical shape, in particular a hollow sphere. In the bottom region, therefore, a bottom geometry that is adapted to a conventional centrifugal separation device can be achieved.

Another possible embodiment has the feature that at least one breakthrough, preferably a plurality of breakthrough, is formed in the bottom wall of the extension element, said breakthrough or breakthrough extending through the bottom wall. Thus, despite the configuration of the coupling device, a differential pressure with respect to the ambient pressure (overpressure, underpressure) inside the interior space enclosed by the extension element can be prevented from being configured. Furthermore, it is also possible, however, for the collection space to be evacuated altogether during the course of a subsequent evacuation process. A possible forced pressing of air present in the interior of the extension element into the collection space of the sample container and the suction associated therewith can thus be prevented. In addition, however, the storage duration of the dispenser assembly can also be extended until it is used.

It may furthermore be advantageous: the at least one penetration is arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis in the radial direction and the base wall is formed continuously in the region of the longitudinal axis. In this way, a stable support surface can be realized in the central region of the bottom wall, which support surface is designed continuously and without interruptions. Furthermore, a central, central injection point for the production process can thus also be selected and maintained.

Another embodiment provides that: a closure device is provided, by means of which the open end of the sample container is closed. Thus, a sterile collection space can be provided already before filling the collection space until use.

Finally, another preferred embodiment is characterized in that: the collecting space enclosed by the closing means drops to a pressure which is reduced with respect to the ambient pressure. The filling and suction of the sample into the collection space can thus be simplified and the filling volume of the sample volume can be predetermined more precisely.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in detail with the aid of the following figures.

In the strongly simplified schematic diagram:

fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view, partially in section, of a removal arrangement with a sample container, an extension element and a closure device which is also arranged at a distance therefrom;

fig. 2 shows an axial section through the sample container according to fig. 1;

fig. 3 shows an axial section through the extension element according to fig. 1;

fig. 4 shows an axial section and an enlarged view of the coupling device between the sample container and the extension element when the coupling element is in coupling engagement;

fig. 5 shows a view of the bottom wall of the elongated element.

Detailed Description

First of all, it is pointed out that: in the different described embodiments, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosure contained in the entire description can be transferred to identical components having the same reference numerals or the same component names in a meaningful manner. The positional references selected in the description, such as upper, lower, lateral, etc., refer also to the directly described and illustrated figures and are to be read into the new position in the sense of a change in position.

The term "in particular" is to be understood in the following, such that the object or method step may be embodied or described in more detail, but not necessarily in its mandatory preferred embodiment or its mandatory mode of operation.

Fig. 1 to 5 show a removal assembly 1 comprising a plurality of structural parts for receiving and collecting small quantities of body fluids, in particular blood samples, urine, saliva or the like. Usually, so-called sample collection vials are used for this purpose, which may also be referred to as blood receiving vials or blood collection vials. Even if the collection vial is mostly referred to as a blood receiving vial or blood collection vial, other previously listed body fluids or other biological fluid samples can be received and collected therein.

In order to be able to carry out automated sample analysis and/or centrifugation processes after filling of the collection vials, such collection vials have a predetermined and standardized standard size. The nominal diameter of the outer part and the nominal axial length are understood as standard dimensions, for example. Thus, there are small tubes with a nominal diameter of 13mm or 16 mm. The nominal axial length may be, for example, 75mm or 100 mm. An abbreviated designation for a closed small tube with a nominal diameter of 13mm and an axial length of 75mm can be given, for example, in 13/75. Dimensions having a different nominal diameter or nominal axial length than those given previously may also be used.

Since the receiving volume for receiving is provided in the extraction assembly 1, which is smaller than the previously cited collection vials, the receiving space should also have a smaller receiving volume than a standard vial. For this purpose, very different designs are proposed in order to reduce the receiving volume during the external, standard-sized, access retention. For this purpose, embodiments exist as one-piece solutions or, however, also as multi-piece or multi-piece solutions.

The extraction assembly 1 is preferably used for extracting blood, in particular venous blood, which is extracted only in small extraction volumes and stored for later investigation in the respective extraction assembly 1. However, other biological fluid samples may also be accommodated in the collection space. The collection space 14 can also be referred to as an accommodation space, which has a smaller accommodation volume relative thereto with respect to a collection vial having a standardized size.

Thus, the collection space 14 of the sample container 2 may, for example, have a receiving volume with a lower limit of 1ml and an upper limit of 3ml, in particular between 1.5ml and 2.5ml (milliliters). The collecting space 14 thus has a reduced receiving volume with respect to the first-described collecting container of standard size. A sample vial having a standard size of 13/75, for example, may have a maximum containment volume of 4.5 ml. Attempts have also been made to accommodate only 1ml sample volumes in sample vials having a standard size of 13/75 and a holding volume of 4.5 ml. The degree of the pressure difference is very sensitive in sample vials having a lower pressure prevailing in the receiving space as the ambient pressure, determined by the large volume difference between the maximum possible receiving volume of 4.5ml and a small filling quantity of 1 ml. The preset small pressure difference for determining a suction volume of 1ml can change within certain limits when environmental conditions, such as temperature and air pressure, change and cause a different suction volume when removed. The maximum receiving volume reduced in this extraction assembly 1 by the receiving or collecting space can, in the vacuum-operated embodiment, also increase the pressure difference with respect to the ambient pressure.

Advances in technology also require ever smaller sample volumes for determining clinical parameters. The sample volume may also be referred to as the sample volume. The collection or sample vials used hitherto for small sample volumes therefore have, however, a smaller size, in particular a length size, in relation to the standardized standard size. However, in order to also be able to insert and accommodate the extraction assembly 1 into a likewise standardized centrifuge or laboratory automation, the following design is developed such that, despite the small accommodation volume, the use in standardized centrifuges, laboratory automation, analyzers or the like is possible.

The extraction structure assembly 1 comprises at least one sample vessel 2 and an extension element 3 which can be combined therewith. Fig. 1 shows the two components in the joined and assembled position, wherein, however, the closure device 4 is additionally also shown in the position removed therefrom. In both fig. 2 and 3, the respective components, i.e. the sample container 2 and the extension element 3, are shown exclusively by themselves.

The sample container 2 in turn comprises a container wall 5 having a first container wall section 6 and a second container wall section 7 arranged in a connected manner thereto. The container wall 5 extends between an open first end 8 and a second end 9 arranged at a distance therefrom and is delimited by an outer face 10 and an inner face 11. Furthermore, the container wall 5 defines a longitudinal axis 12. The same designation of the longitudinal axes is also selected in the extension element 3, since in the assembled, joined position of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3a common longitudinal axis 12 is formed and the two longitudinal axes 12 are arranged in a manner coinciding with one another.

In the region of the second end 9, a base 13 is provided, which is connected in one piece with the container wall 5 and is designed with a sealing closure. The container wall 5 and the bottom 13 together enclose a collecting space 14.

Preferably, both the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 are produced separately from one another from a plastic material in an injection molding process. The material can be predominantly transparent to glass-like transparency and is selected from the group of PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PC (polycarbonate).

In order to release the component from the injection molding tool, a small release slope is usually provided, so that the release process can be carried out relatively simply. The container wall 5 therefore has a small taper in the direction of the second end 9, starting from the region of the open end 8. In principle, both the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 have a circular cross section and are therefore of tubular design.

In this embodiment of the sample container 2, provision is made for: the first container wall section 6 is basically of hollow cylindrical design and has a first diameter dimension 15. The diameter dimension 15 can be designed to decrease to a small extent starting from the open first end 8 in the direction of the base 13 on the basis of the above-mentioned release slope. However, a constant diameter dimension 15 may also be specified.

The second container wall section 7 of the container wall 5 is formed in a hollow-conical manner and has at least in some regions a second diameter dimension 16 which is smaller than the second diameter dimension. The term "partial" is therefore used, since, as seen in the axial sectional view, the outer surface 10 of the first container wall section 6 only merges into the outer surface 10 of the second container wall section 7 in order to form a bend or a fillet and to have the same diameter in this transitional region. However, the inner surface 11 of the first container wall section 6 also merges into the inner surface 11 of the second container wall section 7 in order to form a further, inner fold or a further corner. Thus, even with a small filling quantity, a sufficient liquid level in the collecting space 14 can be achieved by the hollow cone, which is sufficient for the defined determination of the filling volume and the subsequent sampling. Furthermore, it is also possible, however, to select the production process, in particular the injection point, in the center of the bottom-side end 9 of the base 13.

Furthermore, at least one support element 17 may also be provided, but preferably a plurality of support elements 17 may be provided, which are arranged on the outer face 10 of the second container wall section 7 of the container wall 5 and which project from the outer face 10 on the side facing away from the longitudinal axis 12. If a plurality of support elements 17 are provided, they can be arranged distributed, in particular uniformly distributed, over the circumference. In order to obtain a good supporting action at the support element for the extension element 3, at least three to four pieces are provided or arranged.

The support element 17 can be designed as a web and has a longitudinal extent in relation to the longitudinal axis which is approximately up to completely parallel. The longitudinal extent here relates to the longitudinal course of the webs, which can also be provided with a conventional demolding slope in order to facilitate demolding from the injection molding tool. Furthermore, a radial arrangement may be provided. The support element 17 serves for axial orientation and mutual stabilization of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 in the engaged position. Additionally, the support elements can also be used for holding and connecting to one another, if dimensional coordination with one another is to be carried out. The mutual holding and connection is to be carried out by means of a coupling 25, which is described in more detail below. The coupling 25 may also be referred to as a coupling.

It is also conceivable: the sample container 2 is hollow-conically formed in the second container wall section 7 of its container wall 5 and is not provided with a coupling 25. In this case, the mutual holding and connection of the sample vessel 2 and the extension element 3 can be carried out by a positionally fixed connection of at least one of the support elements 17 to the extension element 3. This can be done by means of an adhesive bonding process or a welding process. This is explained in more detail below.

The elongate element 3 in turn comprises a side wall 18 extending between an open first end 19 and a second end 20. A bottom wall 21 is provided or configured in such a way as to be connected to the second end 20. The side wall 18 is delimited by an outer face 22 and an inner face 23 and likewise has a preferably circular cross section. The bottom wall 21 of the extension element 3 can be of truncated-spherical design, in particular a hollow sphere.

At least one penetration 24 can be formed in the bottom wall 21 of the extension element 3, which penetration completely penetrates or penetrates the bottom wall 21. This can be seen from the overview of fig. 1, 3 and 5. However, preferably, a plurality of, in the present embodiment, four penetration portions 24 may be provided. Furthermore, the breakthrough portions 24 are arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis 12 in the radial direction. Thus, the bottom wall 21 remains continuous and closed in a central region or section about the longitudinal axis 12. Thus, a good and unimpeded introduction of force can be achieved in this surface section of the bottom wall 21, as it occurs in a support during centrifugation. Furthermore, however, a central injection point for production can also be selected accordingly. Therefore, the stability of the bottom wall 21 can be maintained almost unchanged despite the provision and configuration of the penetration portion 24. The penetration 24 also serves to: access to the interior of the extension element 3 can also be achieved in the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 joined to one another to form a structural unit. This is the case in particular if the open first end 19 of the extension element 3 is in coupling engagement with the sample container 2 by means of the coupling device 25 and the coupling device 25 forms a gas-tight connection.

The coupling connection can be designed to be largely impermeable to air. An undesired air lock in the interior of the extension element 3 can be prevented by means of the breakthrough portions 24. When the interior space is completely sealed closed, this can lead to an increase in the internal pressure when the temperature increases and subsequently to an undesired separation of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3. Furthermore, it is also possible to press or suck the air present in the evacuated collecting space 14 from the inner space of the elongated element 3 into the collecting space 14.

The extension element 3 serves for the common joining together with the sample container 2 to form a single integral structural unit, i.e. the removal assembly 1. The separate design of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 thus makes it possible to optimize the production process for each component and, despite the small holding capacity or small holding volume, to achieve the usual standard dimensions of length and diameter while providing good support and strength. The separate production can also have the advantage that each component (the structural lengths of the sample vessel 2 and the extension element 3 can be varied and adjusted to one another in a relatively simple manner, if a shorter sample vessel 2 is required, the extension element 3 can extend the implemented shortening length of the sample vessel 2.

In order to connect the sample container 2 to the extension element 3 as a single integral structural unit and also to hold it fixedly and permanently thereon, a separate coupling device 25 is provided here, which comprises at least one first coupling element 26 and at least one second coupling element 27 that can be coupled thereto. In this case, the at least one first coupling element 26 is arranged or formed on the sample container 2 and the at least one second coupling element 27 is arranged or formed on the extension element 3. If the coupling elements 26, 27 are in coupling engagement with one another, the extraction assembly 1 is designed in its small tubular form. The coupling engagement is carried out with a form-locking connection between two coupling elements 26 and 27 which engage in one another. However, the coupling element may also be referred to as a coupling element. The coupling engagement is preferably carried out in such a way that the separation of the two components from each other can only be carried out with a considerable expenditure of force. Thus, accidental separation of the two members from each other can be prevented. The coupling means may be constructed in the form of a snap connection.

In the coupled position, the second container wall section 7 of the sample container 2, which is spaced apart from the open end 8 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12, projects at least partially into the open first end 19 of the extension element 3.

The at least one first coupling element 26 is arranged or formed in a transition section 28 between the first container wall section 6 and the second container wall section 7. The transition section 28 is sealed in the region of the aforementioned fold between the outer faces 10 of the container wall 5 running at an angle to one another. Preferably, the at least one first coupling element 26 is arranged in the second container wall section 7 in a majority proportion, in particular in a surface proportion, and may also extend slightly into the first container wall section 6.

It is also possible that: the first coupling element 26 of the coupling 25 is displaced further in the direction of the open first end 8 and is therefore arranged inside the first container wall section 6. In order to achieve a planar transition between the outer surface 22 of the extension element 3 and the outer surface 10 of the sample container 2, the wall thicknesses are matched to one another dimensionally.

The at least one first coupling element 26 may be formed, for example, by at least one first recess provided in the outer surface 10 of the container wall 5 and a wall section 29 of the container wall 5 of the sample container 2 connected to the first recess in the direction of the bottom 13 of the sample container 2. However, instead of the gap, a first groove 30 may be provided, which is configured to penetrate the periphery of the sample container 2. Here, too, the wall section 29 forms part of the first coupling element 26. In order to form an axial stop for the extension element 3 in the region of the open end 19, in particular an end face 31 of the side wall 18, a first side 32 of the first recess or groove 30 is provided for this purpose. The side faces 32 of the first recess or groove 30 constitute stop faces.

As can also be seen from the illustration in fig. 3, the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 is hollow-cylindrical between the open first end 19 and the second end 21. As already described above, the side walls 18 can also be designed or provided with a slight draft in the region of the outer face 22 and/or also in the region of the inner face 23. This also falls under the designation "hollow cylinder". The side wall is formed, as viewed in axial section, consecutively and linearly between the open first end 19 and the second end 21, with the exception of the provision and formation of the second coupling element 27.

The at least one second coupling element 27 is formed here by a wall section 33 of the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 in the adjoining region of the open first end 19 and by at least one second recess arranged deepened in the inner face 23 of the side wall 18. However, instead of the gap, a second groove 34 may be provided, which is deeper in the inner surface 23 so as to penetrate the periphery of the sample container 2. The wall section 33 of the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 also forms part of the second coupling element 27 here.

If the coupling elements 26 and 27 are in coupling engagement with one another, the wall section 33 of the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 engages in the first recess or first groove 30 of the sample container 2. Furthermore, the second side 35 of the first recess or first groove 30, which is also situated closer to the bottom 13 of the sample container 2, and the wall section 29 of the container wall 5 of the sample container 2, which is connected to the first recess or first groove, engage in the second recess or second groove 34 of the extension element 3 in the direction of the bottom 13 of the sample container 2. The wall section 29 is formed directly by a partial section of the second container wall section 7 of the hollow conical configuration of the container wall 5.

As already described briefly above, a support element 17 can be provided or formed on the second container wall section 7 of the container wall 5. By selecting the hollow conical configuration of the second container wall section 7, a sufficient support of the extension element 3 on the sample container 2 can be obtained. For guidance and positional stabilization in the coupling position, in particular also for lateral forces to be received, a support element 17 is therefore provided. It is therefore also provided here that: the envelope of the outer region of the support element 17, in particular the webs, has a diameter 36 which is equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter 37 of the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 in the region of its open end 19. In the case of a slightly oversized support element 17, which is designed as a web, in the region of its outer envelope, in the engaged state, in addition to the coupling connection, a press fit can also be achieved by means of a press fit and, in conjunction therewith, a play-free contact and support of the inner surface 23 of the extension element 3 on the support element 17, in particular on the web. In addition to the coupling connection, a further mutual stabilization of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 can thus be achieved.

In addition thereto it is also possible: an adhesive connection and/or a welded connection is formed in at least one mutual supporting region of the supporting element 17, in particular of one of the webs and the inner surface 23 of the extension element 3. This can be done, for example, on a material-locking basis. The welding process can be carried out, for example, by means of ultrasonic welding or the like.

But it is also possible: the envelope of the outer region of the support element 17, in particular the web, is formed with a diameter which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter 37 of the side wall 18 of the extension element 3 in the region of its open end 19. Thus, of course, a mutual stabilization and axial orientation which is no longer so good can be obtained. This may cause an undesired separation of the sample container 2 and the extension element 3 in the event of a bending load in the coupling region.

It is thus possible to: the envelope of the outer region of the support element 17, in particular of the webs, is formed with a diameter which is slightly smaller than or equal to or even slightly larger than the inner diameter 37 of the side walls 18 of the extension element 3 in the region of the open end 19 thereof.

The closure device 4 shown in fig. 1 serves in a known manner to close the open first end 8 of the sample container 2 and thus also the collection space 14 from the outside environment. The closure is at least liquid-tight, in particular also gas-tight, as has been done hitherto in standard small tubes in a known manner. Additionally, the collecting space 14 may also be lowered to a pressure relative to which the ambient pressure is reduced. The pressure in the collection space 14 can therefore be reduced further in the sample container 2 on the basis of its small receiving volume with respect to the standardized sampling tube, so that the suction volume can therefore be predetermined well, but this is not absolutely necessary.

There may be applications in which the collection space 14 is closed with the closure device 4, but for the introduction of the sample, the entire closure device 4 is removed from the open end 8 of the sample container 2 and then the injection of the corresponding sample can be carried out first. It is also possible that: the inner surface 11 and optionally also the bottom 13 are provided with a coating on their bottom side facing the collection space 14 for treating the injected sample.

The closure device 4 is shown in fig. 1. For this purpose, different configurations are indicated, as are also described in EP0419490Bl, EP0445707B1 or EP1711412B 1. To avoid unnecessary repetition, these patents and their family members are pointed out or referred to for the construction possibilities of the closure device 4.